Over 100 Sickened in Norovirus Outbreak on AIDAdiva Cruise Ship

Norovirus outbreak sickens over 100

CDC confirms norovirus on board

Cruise ship increases cleaning measures

According to People en Español, a norovirus outbreak aboard the AIDAdiva cruise ship left more than 100 people sick among passengers and crew members, as confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The ship, operated by the German company AIDA Cruises and owned by Carnival Corporation, is currently in the middle of a 133-day world voyage.

The AIDAdiva departed from Hamburg on November 10 with scheduled stops in the United States, England, Mexico, Japan, South Africa, and other international destinations.

The CDC reported that the outbreak was detected on November 30 after multiple stops at U.S. ports.

More than 100 affected during the voyage

Alarm on a cruise: more than 100 passengers contracted a virus and had to be isolated https://t.co/CJkP7ciSuv

— C5N (@C5N) December 6, 2025

According to the report, at least 95 of the 2,007 passengers experienced symptoms consistent with norovirus.

Additionally, six of the 640 crew members also became ill, bringing the total number of affected individuals to over 100.

Cases presented diarrhea and vomiting, symptoms characteristic of the viral agent.

After the outbreak was confirmed, the crew strengthened cleaning protocols with support from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.

Norovirus outbreak on cruise ship forces enhanced protocols

Norovirus Outbreak on AIDAdiva Cruise Ship – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Measures include isolating sick individuals, increasing disinfection efforts, and collecting samples for analysis.

These actions aim to stop the virus from spreading on board.

PEOPLE contacted AIDA Cruises for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

The outbreak was recorded by the CDC between November 10 and December 16.

AIDAdiva continues world voyage despite outbreak

Norovirus outbreak on cruise ship affects hundreds – PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

The AIDAdiva’s official itinerary states that the world voyage will end on March 23, 2026.

The company is already promoting another international cruise aboard the AIDAsol.

That trip will visit 43 ports across 20 countries and four continents.

Long voyages require strict protocols due to the close interaction of thousands of people.

Norovirus outbreak adds to a growing trend

Since early 2025, the CDC has recorded 21 norovirus outbreaks on cruise ships.

The agency requires all vessels to report gastrointestinal symptoms on board.

The previous outbreak occurred in October on Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.

In that case, more than 70 people fell ill during an 11-day itinerary.

Norovirus: a highly contagious illness in enclosed spaces

The virus spreads easily on cruise ships due to high passenger density.

To control a norovirus outbreak early detection is crucial.

Continuous disinfection is essential to prevent transmission.

Frequent handwashing remains one of the most effective preventive measures.

CDC maintains active monitoring of the outbreak

As the AIDAdiva continues its journey, the CDC is maintaining close surveillance.

The agency will publish updates if there are changes in the situation.

So far, no severe hospitalizations have been reported.

The case highlights the vulnerability of cruise ships to gastrointestinal illnesses—an issue central to the AIDAdiva norovirus outbreak.